PHILIPSBURG:--- The Judicial Institutional Services (J&IS) in partnership with the Miss Lalie Center (MLC), successfully hosted a “Sip and Paint” rehabilitation event on Monday, December 8, 2025. The initiative provided inmates with a constructive and creative outlet designed to promote emotional well-being and personal development.
The event was facilitated by J&IS Probation Officers Ivan Plantein, Samantha Phillips, and Shakainah Pompier, with support from MLC Pedagogic Worker A, Mr. Merkman, and the rest of the team, who offered motivational guidance and created an atmosphere that encouraged open expression and self-reflection.
Throughout the session, participants explored painting as a means of relaxation and communication. In a spontaneous, uplifting moment, inmates encouraged 1 Pedagogic Worker and 1 Correctional Officer to join the activity, sparking a friendly “inmates versus MLC Team” art challenge. This interaction fostered trust, mutual respect, and positive engagement between staff and inmates, key objectives in both agencies’ rehabilitation efforts.
During the reflection phase, inmates expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that many had not participated in creative activities since their school years. They described the session as calming, inspiring, and a valuable escape from the daily pressures of incarceration. Several participants requested similar creative expression programs in the future, emphasizing the benefit of incorporating creative outlets into their rehabilitation journey.
J&IS facilitators also praised the event’s impact. “Seeing the inmates tap into their creativity was truly rewarding,” one officer noted. “These activities strengthen communication, build confidence, and support the broader goal of meaningful rehabilitation.” From a probation perspective, this activity also strengthened essential human skills such as emotional regulation, patience, focus, respectful communication, teamwork, and self-awareness, all of which are critical for successful reintegration into society. Creative expression activities are often underestimated in rehabilitation, yet they play a decisive role in helping individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and develop healthier coping skills, said the Director of J&IS, Cynthia Clarke-Filemon.
Both J&IS and MLC confirm their commitment to expanding rehabilitative programming through continued creative, educational, and therapeutic initiatives that build life skills, support behavioral change, and prepare inmates for successful reintegration into the community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs, is pleased to announce several customer service improvements at the Receiver’s Office, aimed at enhancing the overall experience for taxpayers.
Since October 2023, the Receiver’s Office has been operating from office spaces within the same building as the Postal Services, located directly across from the Government Administration Building. Upon assuming office in May 2024, the Minister of Finance identified the improvement of customer service at the Receiver’s Office as a key priority, recognizing the importance of a comfortable, orderly, and efficient environment for both taxpayers and staff.
As part of these efforts, seating has now been installed to ensure that visitors can wait comfortably while awaiting service. The Minister has emphasized that it is unacceptable for members of the public to have access to seating in other government buildings, such as the Census Office, while taxpayers visiting the Receiver’s Office were previously required to stand. Providing dignified and respectful service to the public remains a fundamental principle of this initiative.
In addition, a ticketing system will be implemented to allow for a more organized flow of customers and to reduce uncertainty regarding waiting times. These measures form part of a broader plan to strengthen service quality at the Receiver’s Office, ensuring that taxpayers are treated with efficiency, fairness, and respect while accessing essential government services.
Furthermore, the Minister of Finance is actively coordinating efforts to have the parking area cleared and better organized, including the relocation of towing-company operations currently occupying the space, with the goal of providing sufficient and accessible parking for both staff and taxpayers visiting the office.
The Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka Gumbs, remains committed to continuous improvements across her departments and will continue to implement practical solutions that enhance public service delivery.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting on December 18, 2025.

The Public meeting which was adjourned on November 5, 2025, will be reconvened on Thursday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Deliberations on the issues surrounding the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten
a. The recent nomination of the Chairman of the CBCS by the Council of Ministers
b. An update on the ENNIA situation
c. Developments concerning Mullet Bay (IS/092/2025-2026 dated September 22, 2025)

This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York, MP O.E.C. Ottley and MP F.A. Lacroes.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Insurances, one of the Caribbean’s leading insurance groups, today announced that global credit rating agency A.M. Best has upgraded the Group’s Financial Strength Rating (FSR) from BBB+ to A- (Excellent).

The upgrade reflects A.M. Best’s assessment of the Group’s strengthened balance sheet, consistently improving operating performance, disciplined risk management, and effective execution of its long-term strategy across multiple Caribbean markets.

For policyholders, partners, and regulators, the A- (Excellent) rating is a strong, independent signal of NAGICO Insurances’ ability to meet its obligations, particularly in a region exposed to natural catastrophes and economic volatility.

“I am extremely proud of this recognition for our group. An A.M. Best rating speaks directly to an insurer’s capacity to stand behind its promises,” said Kyria Ali, Chief Executive Officer of NAGICO Insurances. “This upgrade to A- rating by A.M. Best is an independent endorsement of our financial strength and disciplined management, and for our customers across the Caribbean and in France, it validates the confidence and trust they have put in us to be there for them, their families and their businesses when they need us most.”

Why the A- Rating Matters

A.M. Best is a globally recognized credit rating agency specializing in the insurance industry. Its ratings assess insurers’ balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile, and enterprise risk management.

An A- (Excellent) rating indicates:

• Strong capitalization and balance sheet resilience
• Consistently improving financial and operating performance
• Prudent underwriting and risk management practices
• A sustainable, long-term business strategy

This upgrade confirms NAGICO Insurances as a Top Tier insurance group, reinforcing confidence in the Group’s stability and reliability.

Built for the Caribbean

Operating successfully in the Caribbean requires resilience, foresight, and disciplined risk management. Over the years, NAGICO Insurances has proven itself as a trusted and caring insurer, paying billions of US dollars in claims following natural disasters, be it hurricanes or volcanic eruptions. In recent years, it has made targeted investments in reinsurance protection, governance, and talent to ensure it can deliver on its promise to be Fast, Fair, and Always There.

“Our region presents unique challenges, from climate risk to economic shocks,” added Imran McSood Amjad, Executive Chairman of NAGICO Insurances. “This upgrade reflects the deliberate steps the Board and Management have taken to strengthen the Group’s balance sheet, governance, and risk management. It is a strong validation of our long-term vision and disciplined approach.

A Collective Achievement

The CEO shared that the A- rating upgrade reflects the collective efforts of NAGICO Insurances’ employees, partners, and stakeholders across the Group’s regional footprint. It underscores the Group’s commitment to sustainable growth, strong governance, and consistently delivering long-term value to its policyholders and partners.

As the Group looks ahead, it remains focused on using technology to improve customer experience, bringing needed and innovative products to the market, and supporting regional development.